Yes, yes; I am still around—just not blogging very much, because my day job has been so much more demanding lately (darned day job—always interfering with my passions). This was going to be a Gratuitous Friday post but (as often happens with blog posts) it grew into so much more!
Recently, a young friend asked me to coach her for a musical theater audition; I said yes, of course I will! (I was both flattered and fascinated!) As we were working (on an aria from the Mikado—I forgot how fun that music is), I found myself not quite channeling Joyce DiDonato (I would never presume) but sharing thoughts and advice I picked up from watching JDD's master classes. I decided to do my young friend a favor and introduce her to the magic of Joyce DiDonato. So I stopped talking and gave her links to all of JDD's master classes, so she could learn directly from the Yankee Diva.
I realize that in the past few months, I’ve spent more time listening to JDD talk that listening to her sing. So, I finally acquired what just may be the vocal album of the year. Stella indeed! What an awesome album cover! But best of all is the creamy, flexible, and expressive vocalism inside. And new operatic treasures to behold (behear?) The only downside is I downloaded it instead of buying the CD, so I am probably missing out on some good liner notes, more photos, and some translations. On the other hand, with music and singing this beautiful, who needs to be distracted by reading a CD booklet?
Anyway, here's WarnerClassics' official promo video. We get Joyce talking (yay!) and Joyce singing (SIGH!)
And here is the recording session for L’Amica ancor non torna. (I love the clarinet solos, and so does JDD, you can just tell. But I think the composer missed a great opportunity for some sexy mezzo/clarinet duetting.) Is it
my imagination or is her voice getting richer, fuller, and deeper? While you're
pondering that, go get this album. Or if you already have it, go listen to
it again! Now!
Welcome back! I was missing the gratuitousness. (And because there is no such thing as enough, Front Row JDD interview here.)
ReplyDeleteThanks Stray! You as so right, there is no such thing as enough JDD!!
DeleteI was wondering where you had been! (I understand re: jobs taking over, though. Mine does too sometimes.)
ReplyDeleteEnjoying the videos very much :)
Hi!!!!! Not only not writing, but not even reading much in the blogosphere (which you can probably tell by the lack of Robcomments all over the place. I needed to get back, partly to get the techno/trance post off the top. And I HAD to shout about JDD (even though I was well behind you in praising it!) It's good to be back,
DeleteFah, I loved the techno post - it sent me an amazingly constant amount of traffic! for which muchas gracias, amigo. I's not worthy ;-)
DeleteI agree with JDD's voice getting more - mature? But I hope not too mature too fast, I need to hear a bit more live Baroque from her yet. But I'd say she's got her retirement job (masterclasses) lined up for her already. Can't think of any other singer out there who's more coherent and easy to understand when talking about music.
Thanks dehggial! It was fun, but I wanted to get back on the "Pure" opera track (insert eyeroll here.) I've said this before: in addtion to master classes, I think JDD would be an awesome director!
DeleteYes, a director too! Let's hope she's healthy for the next 50 years, she might be one of those singers who do it all.
DeleteAmen! (Oh and glad you're getting more traffic--your blog is a great read!)
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